Today was a nice reprieve from daily life at the Krystal Inn.
I woke up this morning to two cups of espresso courtesy of my friend Mike followed by some eggs and bacon. I also had some kind of juice that one would be hard pressed to find in an American grocery store. It was pear juice and was one of the thicker beverages I've ever had.
After a very leisurely morning, we hopped in the red mini, saddled up the dogs, and headed to one of two extinct volcanos that flank the Army training area of Grafenwoher. In the town of Parkstein, the people of that town have built a city around the base of the old volcano including a church at the summit. Castle walls also encircle the extinct volcano and make for a nice walk to the top.
After the trip to Parkstein we returned to Mike's place and prepared for the evening meal. Mike went out and got some steaks from the local market while I skype'd with Karen and the kids.
For any rum lovers out there, my buddy introduced me to a rum from India called "Old Monk". It was very good and I highly recommend it.
I've attached a few pictures for you all of one of Mike's dog..."Chowder" who happens to have a severe underbite. Also polished off a bottle of wine this evening which was very good. I know Jen Gash would be proud.
I found it a little ironic that Mike chose to use a smokey joe grill instead of the massive stainless steel grill pictured in the background.
Until later.
S.
I would really like to thank Mike for taking you in, and lifting your spirits! Please let him know that it means a lot to me. Love the pictures of the dog I think he had that one when we were there before. I sure do miss Germany it is so pretty! I am loving the pictures! Love you babe and in the morning my blog should be up and running so check it out!
ReplyDeleteBeaming with pride. We love reading this when you write! My name is no longer Jen Gash... it is Jen-Gina. Karen can tell you about that one. Haha!
ReplyDeleteOh Germany, how I miss thee! Aren't friends the best? Especially the ones who know that a simple gesture like opening their home, makes for a wonderful day. Hang in there.
ReplyDelete~Rebecca
@ Karen; I passed on your thanks to Mike. I had already thanked him several times and I think he knows that it meant a lot and helped me get through the weekend.
ReplyDelete@ Maggie Stewart...lol....so is it Jen-Gina (like Jena) or is it Jen-Gina...like VaG? Just curious and I'd love to hear the backstory on that one. You may want to spruce that story up before you let it out of the box...ok enough puns its going to be a long year.
@ Rebecca. I'm sure you miss Germany too. It is truly one of the best places left in the Army to work on improving ones family. Complete sanctuary away from commercial television and some of the things that rot the mind. Only problem...its away from the others we love in our life.
So proud of you for writing so much! :) I am enjoying each and every post! You are sorely missed around here, no one keeps us on our toes like you do! Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is a lot of meat! I am sure the ones you cooked up the other weekend were better! Enjoying reading your posts Steven! Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteJust for the record, in the picture of "Mike and the Smokey Joe" one may notice that the "GAS LINE IS NOT HOOKED UP TO ANYTHING..." hence the back up plan.... Smokey JOE really does a great job though... Don't ya think???
ReplyDelete